The PD-100 Black Hornet PRS is designed as a soldier’s tool, this necessitates that ease of use always be kept in mind throughout the development. For the PD-100 ease of use is multi faceted and includes technical solutions and operational issues, but most importantly it is linked to training requirements. The goal has been to develop a system that can be flown by anyone, with no previous flight experience and minimal training. That requires that the flying of the aircraft must be left to the autopilot, and the overall guidance to the operator. This is not necessarily a new concept, however, realizing this within the constraints of a 15 gram airframe is challenging, especially for outdoors operations in windy conditions.
On a number of occasions over the last months the system has been flown by personnel external to the company. The complexity of the missions flown have varied, from simple local flights to advanced missions with tactical objectives, but common to all is that all flights by external personnel were successfully accomplished after only minutes of introduction. The situational awareness provided by the GUI and flying qualities allow even novice operators to position the aircraft to enable the desired motion and still imagery of a particular target to be acquired.
These tests also demonstrated that mission analysis, for example reviewing still images, can be completed easily whilst airborne. In such cases the aircraft is put into a stationary position, then a live overview can be used to asses and build a plan of action, or previously captured still images may analyzed by using zoom and pan functions.
Another recent achievement which further increases the ease of use has been the introduction of hand launch capability. This fully automated process allows the operator to perform the complete start up and launch sequence from any stance or position (i.e. standing, kneeling or lying down), without the need to access the display or system controls. The user may even relocate to another launch position during the start up phase should that be necessary. In addition to simplifying system operation, this capability adds tactical flexibility to the system as it may be launched, and recovered, from virtually any location.
Restricted by operational constraints?
Operational and environmental constraints, such as wind and turbulence, are often perceived as major obstacles in Nano UAS operations. People would regard flying a 15 gram helicopter out-doors in windy conditions as impossible; based on toy helicopter performance, this may be true, however, the PD-100 Black Hornet’s ability to perform in these conditions differentiates from other ultra small helicopters. It is now regularly flown in more than 10 knots wind without being “blown” out of the sky as many would expect. Sometimes it enters conditions outside its flight envelope, and we have seen it performing tumbles and pirouettes, but in most cases it recovers by itself without any inputs from the operator.
All types of aircraft have operational limitations, and the PD-100 may be more restricted by wind and turbulence than larger platforms. On the other hand, it can operate in conditions not suited to most other air vehicles. The low operating height, typically 30 to 90 feet, and the VTOL capability allows safe flight in fog and reduced visibility conditions, whilst still being able to provide the required video and still images. Fixed wing mini and micro UAS may be unable to operate in such conditions.
Choice of display – a CONOPS issue
The PD-100 Black Hornet is designed without an integrated display, and there are good reasons for this. Our goal in the design phase was to allow the system should to utilize the customer’s existing display system (assuming most modern forces already have one for other uses). Integration with existing display equipment contributes to a reduced total system weight (and a lower increase in soldier’s equipment weight), and provides a more rugged and flexible solution.
Some users prefer to have a tablet sized display, allowing information to be shared in real time between the operator maneuvering the aircraft and a unit commander interpreting the information. The commander can directly use this information and concentrate on leading his unit, including helicopter positioning to provide the required support. Other users may prefer an eyepiece as this enhances mobility and flexibility, but reduces cohesion with a unit’s information and command flow. The operator may then easily relocate and even perform other tasks while still operating the Nano UAS. Maintaining readability in strong light conditions is another benefit provided by the eyepiece solution.
The variety of display scenarios leads us to another interesting and important discussion: Should the imagery collected from UAS be distributed to all the players involved (i.e. to all soldier carrying their own terminal)? There are strong contenders for such a concept, however, feedback from soldiers indicate that there is a real risk of information overload. There is also a risk that the soldiers may concentrate more on the display than the real world around them, which is not an uncommon lesson learned from other types of operation.
The first version of the PD-100 Black Hornet will be a standalone system, thus keeping the system complexity to a minimum. However, future versions could include multi viewer capabilities, either using multiple display terminals or by utilizing the distribution and communication capabilities of the unit’s command and control system.
Introducing the PDD
Prox Dynamics has decided to develop its own display solution specifically designed for the PD-100 Black Hornet – the PDD. This decision was based on the experience gained from system trials, and after carefully considering all other options. We have been unable to identify off-the-shelf units that would fit within the system concept. Available systems are either too heavy, or requires too much power to operate.
Developing our own display unit allows us to closely tailor it to the PD-100 Black Hornet concept. Size, ruggedness and power consumption of the PDD will be aligned with the capabilities of the Black Hornet. Preliminary specifications includes a daylight readable seven inch screen (a size comparable to the Black Hornet), and a mass of approximately 0.6 kg. It will be powered and controlled by the Black Hornet Base station, allowing the system to optimize power consumption and minimize the number of system components. The initial prototypes will be tested in October, and production is planned to begin early next year.
[Dag Henning Paulsen is VP Marketing at ProxDynamics. He has a broad operational background from Royal Norwegian Air Force and Scandinavian Airlines. He spent ten years as an F-16 Pilot, 13 years as a commercial pilot, and has held various management positions in the RNoAF and SAS – Ed.]